Treatment And Breastfeeding

I am a 31 year old who was diagnosed with melanoma in September 2006.  I was about 12 weeks pregnant at the time.  I have undergone two surgeries since then.  One to remove the mole on my calf and two lymph nodes  After a microscopic amount of cancer was found on my sentinel lymph node, I had a groin dissection to remove 6 additional lymph nodes.  These all came back negative for cancer.   Right now I am a Stage 3. 

I have yet to have a CAT or PET scan because of the pregnancy.  I am due to deliver in about 4 weeks and will have the scans then.  I am scheduled to begin interferon treatment (assuming the scans come back OK) after I deliver in March. 

I have been searching the internet for information regarding the interferon treatment and breastfeeding.  Initially my oncologist thought I would be able to nurse and have the treatment at the same time.  Now, no one is sure. Most of the information I have found states that the risks during breastfeeding are unknown and breastfeeding should be avoided if receiving interferon.

 I really would like to be able to nurse my new baby because I think it may help with the emotional issues that I am without a doubt going to go through during treatment.

 Does anyone have any information or suggestions regarding breastfeeding and interferon treatment?  One of my options is to wait to begin treatment after a few months of nursing the baby.  I have already had to delay treatment because of the pregnancy and I am not sure if a few more months would matter.  If anyone has been in a similar situation, I would appreciate any feedback, even if it is not what I want to hear. 

Hoping for the best

Kelly

On 2/20/2007 Whlrmom wrote:

I am a 31 year old who was diagnosed with melanoma in September 2006.  I was about 12 weeks pregnant at the time.  I have undergone two surgeries since then.  One to remove the mole on my calf and two lymph nodes  After a microscopic amount of cancer was found on my sentinel lymph node, I had a groin dissection to remove 6 additional lymph nodes.  These all came back negative for cancer.   Right now I am a Stage 3. 

I have yet to have a CAT or PET scan because of the pregnancy.  I am due to deliver in about 4 weeks and will have the scans then.  I am scheduled to begin interferon treatment (assuming the scans come back OK) after I deliver in March. 

I have been searching the internet for information regarding the interferon treatment and breastfeeding.  Initially my oncologist thought I would be able to nurse and have the treatment at the same time.  Now, no one is sure. Most of the information I have found states that the risks during breastfeeding are unknown and breastfeeding should be avoided if receiving interferon.

 I really would like to be able to nurse my new baby because I think it may help with the emotional issues that I am without a doubt going to go through during treatment.

 Does anyone have any information or suggestions regarding breastfeeding and interferon treatment?  One of my options is to wait to begin treatment after a few months of nursing the baby.  I have already had to delay treatment because of the pregnancy and I am not sure if a few more months would matter.  If anyone has been in a similar situation, I would appreciate any feedback, even if it is not what I want to hear. 

Hoping for the best

Kelly

On 2/20/2007 Whlrmom wrote:

I am a 31 year old who was diagnosed with melanoma in September 2006.  I was about 12 weeks pregnant at the time.  I have undergone two surgeries since then.  One to remove the mole on my calf and two lymph nodes  After a microscopic amount of cancer was found on my sentinel lymph node, I had a groin dissection to remove 6 additional lymph nodes.  These all came back negative for cancer.   Right now I am a Stage 3. 

I have yet to have a CAT or PET scan because of the pregnancy.  I am due to deliver in about 4 weeks and will have the scans then.  I am scheduled to begin interferon treatment (assuming the scans come back OK) after I deliver in March. 

I have been searching the internet for information regarding the interferon treatment and breastfeeding.  Initially my oncologist thought I would be able to nurse and have the treatment at the same time.  Now, no one is sure. Most of the information I have found states that the risks during breastfeeding are unknown and breastfeeding should be avoided if receiving interferon.

 I really would like to be able to nurse my new baby because I think it may help with the emotional issues that I am without a doubt going to go through during treatment.

 Does anyone have any information or suggestions regarding breastfeeding and interferon treatment?  One of my options is to wait to begin treatment after a few months of nursing the baby.  I have already had to delay treatment because of the pregnancy and I am not sure if a few more months would matter.  If anyone has been in a similar situation, I would appreciate any feedback, even if it is not what I want to hear. 

Hoping for the best

Kelly

Kelly,

I have a friend who was 29 when diagnosed with melanoma. She had a 21 month old and a 6 week old. She did a lot of research on whether to breast feed or not.  she felt similar to you...that the choice to breastfeed would help her feel connected to her baby and help with the emotions she would be going through during the interferon injection period.  her treatment is a 12 month treatment ending in May 2008.  She decided to breastfeed. She is still breastfeeding and her baby has hit all the milestones and has had no trouble with liver function or blood count.  I am curious what you ended up doing. I see now that your diagnosis was in 2006.  it might be great for you two to get acquainted given your commonalities.  if you are interested please email me.

Adrienne